Hunter Valley Activities

Hunter Valley activities here cover horse riding through the vineyards, horse-drawn carriage rides, a helicopter flight that lands at a winery for lunch and guided wine tours with local pickup. Most do not involve a tasting glass, which makes them useful for non-drinkers, families and mixed groups. For sights and historic cellar doors, see Hunter Valley attractions.

Horse riding in the Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley Horses runs its rides on the same land, and the main difference between them is time and scenery. The one-hour Bushland Trail Horse Ride crosses farmland and bush with qualified instructors and is set up for first-timers, which makes it a popular choice. The 90-minute Vineyard and Mountain Views ride starts with a riding lesson, then follows a gentle trail through vineyards, bush and farmland with views of the Broken Back Range.

The 45-minute Horse Drawn Carriage Vineyard Ride is the one to pick if anyone in your group would rather not ride. It takes a comfortable carriage along local backroads past vineyards and farmland, and it is another popular choice.

Scenic helicopter flight with lunch

The Hunter Valley Scenic Helicopter Flight with Lunch with Aerologistics departs Cessnock Airport, flies a private helicopter over the wine region and lands at a winery for a three-course lunch with a glass of wine or beer. Allow about 3 hours in total.

Wine tours with a driver

The Horse and Carriage Wine Tasting Tour covers three tasting venues in a covered carriage over 3 hours. For a full day, Dave's Travel Group runs a small-group wine tour with hotel pickup in the Hunter Valley and a Newcastle departure, each visiting three boutique cellar doors with lunch included. Browse more Hunter Valley tours for other ways to cover the region.

Frequently asked questions

What activities in the Hunter Valley suit couples?

The Hunter Valley Scenic Helicopter Flight with Lunch is a private flight over the wine region followed by lunch at a winery, and the Horse Drawn Carriage Vineyard Ride is a 45-minute outing along vineyard backroads.

Are there Hunter Valley activities for kids?

Children can join the Horse Drawn Carriage Vineyard Ride with a parent or guardian. The Bushland Trail Horse Ride takes riders aged 10 and over, and the 90-minute Vineyard and Mountain Views ride is for ages 13 and over.

Do you need riding experience for Hunter Valley horse rides?

No. The Hunter Valley Horses Bushland Trail Horse Ride is set up for first-timers and beginners, and the 90-minute vineyard ride begins with a riding lesson and welcomes beginners.

What should you wear for a horse ride in the Hunter Valley?

Wear long pants and enclosed shoes for any Hunter Valley Horses trail ride. The 90-minute vineyard ride also asks for sleeved shirts.

Where does the Hunter Valley helicopter flight leave from?

The Hunter Valley Scenic Helicopter Flight with Lunch departs from Cessnock Airport and runs seven days a week, with bookings essential.

Local tip: The helicopter flight is subject to availability, so lock it in before you book the rest of the weekend around it.

Start with the ride or the flight and let the rest of the weekend follow. All good days are waiting.